Escape to Rest.

Aching, burning, sinking—the sensations grow in their intensity. My muddy, previously red Converse slap the soft ground as I dart through shadows of greenery. Flames in my throat; this is unbearable. My pale, aching legs; can legs feel misery? Crack, snap—under my feet. It could be branches, it could be bones. I’m oblivious to reality at this point. My rib cage is on the verge of opening its doors to set my palpitating heart free. Full speed ahead, wind smacking into my rosy, freckled face like a whip. Hazel eyes on the lack of road ahead. What I’m running to is unknown to me. But I keep going, burning limbs and all. Tears burn hazel eyes but they’re quickly scrubbed away by calloused fists. Distraction will ruin the all-consuming race I’m running to stay alive. The slapping of Converse transforms into the gliding of legs, reduced to numbness. Breaths become shorter and vision becomes narrower. This must be it—the destination I’m trying so desperately to reach. Trembling legs lose control and I fall to the haven I’ve been seeking.

A place escape.

A place to rest.